Fatehgarh Sahib: In a contested move Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) today “released” Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh from his “duty” as Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib.
SGPC executive accused Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh for “creating confusion”, “divide”, “violating directives of Akal Takht Sahib”, “creating situation of clash between various Takhts” and “disrespecting Guru Granth Sahib”.
![SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar and others addressing the media persons at Fatehgarh Sahib [Jan. 17, 2014]](https://sikhsiyasat-en.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/SGPC-president-Avtar-Singh-Makkar-and-others.jpg)
SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar and others addressing the media persons at Fatehgarh Sahib [Jan. 17, 2014]
The SGPC executive met under chairmanship of SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar at Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib. While addressing the media persons after holding the meeting with executive members, Avtar Singh Makkar said that the SGPC executive extensively discussed the issue related to Jathedar Nandgarh. He said that SGPC executive found that Jathedar Nandgarh “misused” his office (“status of Jathedar”) by not participating in Nagar Kirtan conducted by the SGPC on the eve of Parkash Gurpurb of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Avtar Singh Makkar claimed that the conduct of Jathedar Nandgarh triggered “widespread anger” among the “Sikh masses”, therefore the SGPC decided to release him from his services.
He said that for the time being Akal Takht Head Granthi Giani Gurmukh Singh has been given additional charge of “Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib”.
The SGPC’s move was being opposed by various Sikh organizations.
Many Sikh circles, including the Dal Khalsa, has been stressing to frame “code of conduct” related to appointment and services of Jathedars of Takht Sahib.